City Paper contributor Franklin Schneider continues to earn raves for his recent cover story, “Panned in D.C.,” including this blind item on the National Park Service’s web site:

A recent article in the local Washington, DC press documented the activities of several persons who were panning for gold in Rock Creek Park. It is critical that park visitors understand that any recreational or commercial activity that damages, harms or removes any natural, cultural or archeological resource is illegal. Violators are subject to fines and criminal prosecution by the United States Park Police.